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Execution Checklist A n execution checklist helps synchronize units and efforts by sequentially listing critical tasks that . must be accomplished. The checklist typically describes the unit, tasks, anticipated time of completion, and associated procedure words. A common trend in most execution checklists is to list only the main tasks to be accomplished. However, listing subtasks contributes to the overall synchronization of efforts. Therefore, subtasks and associated procedure words that help achieve SOSRA should be developed. For example, most execution checklists note when suppression is accomplished, when obscuration is completed, or when the assault force has moved through the breach. (This assumes that everything is synchronized.) Commanders should use the execution checklist together with the decision support matrix. Therefore, the triggers developed for the matrix and template should be listed and then codifed into a standard breach drill standing operating procedure to be used across the brigade combat team. Example 1. Instead of listing "suppression of breach site completed," the execution checklist should list "support force at support-by-fre position 1," followed by "breach force at attack-by-fre position 1," and then "support force begins suppression of objective." This will synchronize the support and breach forces by ensuring that they are at their proper locations before the support force suppresses the objective. Also, a breach drill standing operating procedure that standardizes those actions and code words will contribute to a mutual understanding across the brigade combat team. Example 2. Instead of listing "obscuration of breach site completed," the execution checklist could note "support force at support-by-fre position 1," followed by "breach force crosses Phase Line Green," and then by "support force fres obscuration on objective." Phase Line Green is a graphic control measure determined through the time/distance analysis for the breach force to move from a specifed location to the breach site. It was determined that Phase Line Green is where the breach force must be located before the support force fres obscuration on the objective. This ensures that the breach force is not too far away or too close for obscuration to adequately cover the objective. Finally, the combined arms rehear- sal (CAR) is the last tool to assist engi- neer leaders during the planning and rehearsal process. Army Tactics, Tech- niques, and Procedures (ATTP) 5.0-1, Co and and Staff Officer Guide, states that "A combined arms rehearsal is a rehearsal in which subordinate units synchronize their plans with each other." 8 The CAR is the last opportunity for the efforts of a maneuver task force to be synchronized. Done properly, it will ensure that all breaching tenets are addressed. Recommendations for engineer platoon leaders or com- pany commanders to prepare for the CAR include— ■ Ensuring that the engineer platoon leader or company commander has a speaking part at the CAR. ■ Placing engineer icons (such as units, triggers, graphic control measures, and fre control measures) on the ter- rain model meant to help synchronize the combined arms breach. ■ Briefng engineer composition, disposition, task, and purpose. ■ Briefng primary and secondary methods of breaching with associated impacts. ■ Briefng primary and secondary methods of proofng with associated impacts. ■ Ensuring that the schemes of maneuver for support, breach, and assault forces are addressed. ■ Briefng the marking system with an example set up for participants to reference. Conclusion R ecent trends observed during the conduct of combined arms breaches at the National Training Center point to one major observation: maneuver task forces routinely struggle to synchronize the support, breach, and assault forces, contributing to an inability to execute SOSRA. Battalion operations offcers and task force engineers need to understand the breaching tenets and incorporate them into the planning and rehearsal process. Breaching fundamentals are only one breaching tenet; therefore, addressing SOSRA alone is not enough. An ESM, decision support matrix and template, and execution (continued on page 41) 38 Engineer January–April 2014 The breach force uses a mine-clearing line charge as the primary method of breach at the National Training Center. EN Law.1.indd 41 3/12/2014 1:27:13 PM